Feb. 27: USA South Cross Country Championships at NC Wesleyan College
The Meredith College Cross Country team secured the USA South Cross Country Championship title with a 27 point finish in beautiful weather, but not so beautiful conditions. “I am very proud of our athletes and how they handled the muddy and swampy course conditions,” said Head Coach Field Miller. “We stuck to our race plan and executed it very well. Our veteran athletes returned to competition from the pandemic break without missing a beat while our newcomers were able to step up in their collegiate debut in a strong showing. I am excited for the bright future of this program and look forward to building on this success.” Coming in second place overall for the Angels was Corrine Weaver with a time of 24:15. Not far behind her was Andrea Gallegos, ‘24, who ran a 25:03 in her first college race, even continuing to run after losing both shoes during the first half of the race. Also finishing in the top four, who are named “USA South East All-Division,” was Isabella Saudo, ‘24, with a time of 28:31. Sophomore Julie Tonon placed sixth overall individually with a time of 25:47. Ashleigh Buser, ‘24, and Emily Ward, ‘23, finished in the top ten with times of 28:42 and 29:48. Not far behind, freshman Claire Miller (30:06), freshman Emma Brooks (30:19), senior Francie Overman (30:41) and freshman Mia Russell (33:30) finished in the top 20. Ashleigh Buser, Emily Ward, Claire Miller, Emma Brooks and Francie Overman were recognized as “All-Division” for their placement in the top 14. The USA South All-Sportsmanship title went to Emma Brooks.
Feb. 28: Women’s basketball game at home against NC Wesleyan College
The Meredith Avenging Angels put up a good fight for their Senior Night game, but sadly lost 47-71 against the NC Wesleyan Bishops. Prior to the game, senior Kimberly Schuh was recognized for her dedication to the Meredith Angels basketball team for four years. Schuh (#32) said, “Gosh, I don’t know how I can put my four years playing for Meredith basketball into words. I have loved every minute. Coming in as a freshman I had great role models to look up to. They prepared me to lead the team during my last three years. Every player that I have had the opportunity of playing with has made me a better person and player.” She added that her family, who watched almost every game, and Assistant Coach Meghan Rahn, who would stay after practice to rebound for her or come in extra to help her practice, also made her time with the basketball team special. Schuch told The Herald, “One thing I will miss the most would have to be getting up late night shots in the gym during the week. There is something peaceful about just shooting in an empty gym.” Schuh had a great game with an all time high by scoring 28 points with 14 rebounds. Kate Perko (#24) scored 11 points for the angels and nine rebounds. Caroline Coleman (#25) scored four points for the angels, two assists and two steals. Rookie Piper Carriere (#13) scored two points and four assists. Mikayla Thompson (#10) scored two points, three rebounds and one steal. Freshman De'ja Morgan, (#21) had four rebounds and one assist. Madi Leonard (#11), also a freshman, fought for two rebounds. The Angels are ranked third in the USA South East Division.
March 2: Women’s lacrosse game at home against Virginia Wesleyan University
The Meredith women’s lacrosse team crushed VA Wesleyan with a final score of 23-5. Senior Lilia Cruz led the Angels to victory with eight goals, 15 draw controls and three assists. Cruz said, “It felt so good to get back out there on the field with my team after almost a year! It was a great win but learned that there is still a lot we can improve on. We’ve been focusing on getting better each day at practice and I look forward to the rest of the season!” Olivia Blake was right behind Cruz with four goals. Along with Blake, Tori Witmer and freshman Arrianna May both scored three goals each. Ali Schuh, Kylie Phillips, Briana Petrusa, ‘21, Maya Flake and Jessica Dowdy, ‘24, each scored one goal. The team is set to play at Lynchburg on March 6, 2021, at 3:00 p.m.
March 3: Women’s basketball game at William Peace University
The Meredith College basketball team finished up their season with a loss against the William Peace Pacers. The final score of the game was 68-82. Head Coach LaQuanda Quick said, “I thought we did the best we could considering we had to quarantine for two weeks and only had a couple of practices prior to the game. It’s hard to be physically prepared after an experience like that. The players gave it their best effort and I’m proud of them for that.” The Avenging Angels started off strong with a point behind in the first quarter of the game. Senior Kimberly Schuh (#32) finished her career with a total of 24 points, 11 rebounds and one assist. Kate Perko (#24) scored 18 points, 16 rebounds and one assist. Caroline Coleman (#25) scored 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Not far behind, freshman Piper Carriere (#13) scored ten points, five assists and two rebounds. De'ja Morgan, ‘24, (#21) scored three points, four rebounds and three assists. Mikayla Thompson (#10) scored two points, two rebounds, one assist and had one steal.
By Mia Russell, Staff Writer